21 Apr 2026
Friday 17 April 2026 marked a truly inspiring day in East Kent, as the community came together to celebrate Unity Day, a powerful event highlighting the journeys, creativity and resilience of individuals in recovery from drugs and alcohol.
The day began with a moving film created by Karen McGowan, sharing real stories of hope, strength and transformation. This was followed by Rebecca Presley, who spoke about her journey as an author and her personal commitment to sea swimming every day, a practice that has become a vital part of her wellbeing. Rebecca also hosted a book signing for her work, The Mermaid Who Chose to Stay, offering attendees the chance to connect more deeply with her story.
Creativity continued to shine throughout the day. Gary Manfield, Art and Sports Coordinator, introduced an exciting new initiative, the Street Photographs Project, encouraging attendees to explore street photography and capture the world around them. The project will culminate in a community calendar, celebrating the talent and perspective within the recovery community.
In the afternoon, attendees watched a powerful film from Guvna B, featuring members of the community and highlighting collaboration with Samaritans and The Forward Trust. The screening sparked reflection and connection, reinforcing the importance of storytelling in recovery.
The stage then welcomed eight participants who bravely shared poetry, some original pieces, others chosen for their personal significance. Each performance brought a unique voice and perspective, creating a moving and deeply human moment for everyone in the room.
One of the most impactful moments of the day came from Dean Mckay, currently living in a recovery house in Medway. Through volunteering and commitment to his recovery, Dean has transformed his challenges into strength. His honest and inspiring story served as a powerful reminder of what is possible with support, determination and hope.
A remarkable highlight of the day was the collective celebration of 94 years of sobriety shared among those in attendance, a truly incredible milestone that speaks to the strength of the recovery community.
The event closed with the Serenity Prayer, offering a moment of reflection, gratitude and unity. In addition, £84 was raised through the sale of jewellery handcrafted by Forward Connect members during their sessions, a testament to the creativity and contribution of the community.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who attended, shared their stories, and helped make the day possible. From those who supported with registration and set-up, to fuelling attendees with tea and coffee, every contribution mattered.
Unity Day was a powerful reminder that recovery is not only possible, it is something to be celebrated, shared and strengthened together.
